Month: April 2017

Gougane Barra

‘There is a green island in lone Gougane Barra’

Our third Hill Walk took place in beautiful Gougane Barra, on Thursday 27th April. We were led by Joan McCann, with assistance from Angela Foley and Mags McCarthy.

After the fires the previous weekend, the upper part of the park was devastated, and it was chilling to walk alongside charred grassland and trees. We shared our path with some sheep who had been fortunate to escape the fires. Happily, the lower regions of the park were not touched by the fire and it was possible for us to enjoy its beauty, as we rambled along.

After a three-and-a-half hour hike, we were delighted with the lunch laid on at the Gougane Barra Hotel. During lunch, Seán Ó Callanáin treated us to a wonderful recitation of ‘Gougane Barra’ by his namesake, JJ Callanan.

Could this be the start of a trend for the Hillwalkers?!

Bealtaine 2017

The following events are planned for May 2017

5th. Friday: Social Coffee Morning. Clayton Silversprings Hotel. 11 a.m. (Pádraig Ó Conaill)

11th. Thursday: Amblers’ Walk. Youghal.

16th. Tuesday: Hillwalkers. Hike to Torc Waterfall. Killarney.

23rd – 30th: Best wishes to our Choir which will participate in a festival in San Marino.

31st. Wednesday: Spike Island visit. Departs Kennedy Quay, Cobh, 10.45. Pre-booking essential (see text message).

Please Note! Coffee mornings and walks are subject to confirmation by text message, which will be sent prior to the event. Hillwalkers will receive an email with full details. The Choir will have their own arrangements.

Are you interested in the Arts? The Bealtaine Festival runs throughout the month of May, all over Ireland. Click here to see the full website.

National Convention 2017

National Convention 2017 was held in the Gresham Hotel, Dublin, on March 7th.

Our branch was represented by 10 delegates, who travelled to Dublin the evening before. We were hosted at Club na Múinteoirí that evening, so we had the opportunity to meet delegates from other branches.

Presentation to Billy Sheehan, by Padraig O Conaill
Sharing a joke!
Mags McCarthy proposes Motion 5
Old friends, Rosena Jordan, Billy Sheehan, Denis Desmond.

The Convention was addressed by Dr. Mark Morgan (formerly of St. Patrick’s College/DCU) on the topic of Wellness and Resilience in Retirement. It was a most uplifting and encouraging presentation.

Our branch had submitted motions relating to pension restoration and the payment of the outstanding benchmarking award to principals and deputies. Derry Keogh and Mags McCarthy (respectively) proposed these motions.

9RTAI National Convention 2017 in Dublin -1000
Cork Delegates

Further information about the Convention can be found in the current edition of Comhnasc.

Dew Drop Inn for a Dropeen le Seán Ó Callanáin

For many years I’ve been mildly curious about The Jameson Heritage Centre, Midleton. Recently the RTAI gave me the push I needed to visit. I was hugely impressed and am most grateful to Marie Dennehy for making it possible.

Multi-storied limestone buildings on a grand scale highlight the historical importance of distilling locally. The 18th, 19th and 20th centuries live on in a seamless pursuit of whiskey perfection while the vast complex of new buildings leave little doubt that a profitable future is well in hand.

There was lots for the eye to enjoy and our photographers had an exciting challenge. Our excellent guide pleased the ear and answered our many questions with ease. Our noses were tantalised with the pleasant ambush of whiskey vapour escaping from patient barrels content to lie still for 3/5/12 or 18 years. Clearly our palates were being teased before we tasted the golden dew.

As teachers, in our bones we anticipated the end of tour assessment with confidence. As high achievers, we saw off the challenge……. down to the very last drop!!

Ar m-anam, chuireamar preab san ól !!